ECS Belgium, 2025 – Match 16 Preview
Antwerp Giants (AG) vs Ostend Tigers (OT)
ECS Belgium, 2025 Single Group Match Day 3 – Match 16
Date: 9 July 2025
Start Time: 19:00 Local | 21:30 IST
Venue: Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Antwerp Giants won the toss and elected to bat
Setting the Stage
The ECS Belgium, 2025 continues to deliver high-octane T10 action as we approach Match 16, where the undefeated Antwerp Giants (AG) take on the formidable Ostend Tigers (OT) at the Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst. With both teams boasting impressive records and star performers, this encounter promises fireworks and pivotal moments that could shape the group standings.
Predicted Standouts: Who Will Shine?
Most 6s:
Abdul Muhammad (OT) and Faisal Khaliq (OT), both with a career average of 2 sixes per match, are the leading contenders to clear the ropes most frequently.Most Runs:
Abdul Muhammad (OT) leads the way with a career average of 29 runs per match, making them the prime candidate for top scorer.Most Wickets:
Rafiullah Alokzai (OT) and Mashal Mazhar (AG), each with a career average of 1 wicket per match, are the bowlers to watch for breakthroughs.Match MVP:
Manpreet Sandhu (OT), with a remarkable career average of 80 fantasy points per match, stands out as the top all-round fantasy performer.
Team Introductions & Key Stats
Antwerp Giants (AG)
- Matches Played: 4
- Matches Won: 4
- Win Percentage: 100%
- Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Saber Zakhil (33 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Saber Zakhil (121 per match)
- Top Six-Hitter: Saber Zakhil (59 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Mashal Mazhar (1 wicket per match, 3 wickets in a match best)
The Giants have been flawless so far, blending power-hitting with disciplined bowling. Their depth and experience make them a daunting opponent.
Ostend Tigers (OT)
- Matches Played: 3
- Matches Won: 2
- Win Percentage: 66.7%
- Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Manpreet Sandhu (80 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Faisal Khaliq (115 per match)
- Top Six-Hitter: Faisal Khaliq (45 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Rafiullah Alokzai (1 wicket per match, 3 wickets in a match best)
The Tigers have shown resilience and flair, with a balanced squad capable of explosive batting and incisive bowling.
Player Highlights
Antwerp Giants (AG)
Saber Zakhil – All Rounder
A true match-winner, Zakhil has amassed 2,428 career fantasy points across 73 matches, with a highest single-match haul of 179. Their 59 sixes and 41 fours underline their power-hitting credentials, while 733 bowling fantasy points and 17 catches showcase all-round value. With 8 Player of the Match awards (11% ratio), Zakhil is a proven game-changer.
Abdul Rashid – Wicket Keeper
Rashid’s consistency is reflected in 1,385 career fantasy points (37 per match), with a best of 108 in a single game. Their 46 sixes and 45 fours make them a reliable top-order option, and their glovework adds further value. Rashid’s current event average of 58 fantasy points per match signals strong form.
Shafiullah Zakhel – Bowler
Zakhel brings control and penetration, with 746 career fantasy points (32 per match) and a best of 72 in a match. Their 584 bowling fantasy points and 25 per match average highlight their wicket-taking ability, making them a key figure in AG’s bowling attack.
Mashal Mazhar – Bowler
Despite only 4 matches, Mazhar has made an immediate impact with 188 career fantasy points (47 per match) and a best of 111. Their bowling average of 39 fantasy points per match and a three-wicket haul in a match make them a potential match-winner.
Ostend Tigers (OT)
Manpreet Sandhu – All Rounder
Sandhu’s all-round prowess is unmatched, with 883 career fantasy points in just 11 matches (80 per match) and a staggering single-match best of 298. With 22 sixes, 22 fours, and 3 fifties, Sandhu is a dynamic batter. Their 235 bowling fantasy points and 6 catches add to their all-round value. A Player of the Match ratio of 27% (3 awards) is exceptional.
Faisal Khaliq – All Rounder
Khaliq is in red-hot form, averaging 115 fantasy points per match in the current event and 67 over their career. With 45 sixes and 18 fours, Khaliq is a six-hitting machine. Their 3 fifties and 4 Player of the Match awards (22% ratio) highlight their match-winning ability.
Abdul Muhammad – Batsman
Muhammad’s 860 career fantasy points (72 per match) and a highest single-match score of 207 make them a top-order threat. With 32 sixes and 29 fours, they are the leading candidate for most runs and sixes in this match.
Rafiullah Alokzai – Bowler
Alokzai’s 653 career fantasy points (50 per match) and 471 bowling points (36 per match) make them OT’s leading wicket-taker. Their best of 3 wickets in a match and 1 three-wicket haul in the current event underline their impact.
Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head
Saber Zakhil (AG) vs Faisal Khaliq (OT):
Both are six-hitting all-rounders with high fantasy returns. Zakhil has 59 sixes and 33 fantasy points per match, while Khaliq has 45 sixes and 67 per match (115 in current event). Expect a battle of power and consistency.Mashal Mazhar (AG) vs Abdul Muhammad (OT):
Mazhar’s bowling (39 fantasy points per match) will be tested by Muhammad’s aggressive batting (2 sixes per match, 29 runs per match). This contest could decide the momentum in the powerplay.Shafiullah Zakhel (AG) vs Rafiullah Alokzai (OT):
Both are key bowlers for their sides, with Zakhel averaging 25 bowling fantasy points per match and Alokzai 36. Their ability to strike early could be pivotal.
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Picks
- Manpreet Sandhu (OT): Highest career fantasy average (80 per match), all-round contributions.
- Faisal Khaliq (OT): In top form, highest current event fantasy average (115 per match), six-hitting prowess.
Bold Picks
- Saber Zakhil (AG): Proven match-winner, high ceiling with both bat and ball.
- Mashal Mazhar (AG): Impactful bowler, capable of big hauls in T10.
Insights & Key Matchups
Power Hitters:
With Abdul Muhammad and Faisal Khaliq for OT, and Saber Zakhil for AG, expect a flurry of sixes and aggressive batting in the powerplay overs.Bowling Impact:
Rafiullah Alokzai (OT) and Mashal Mazhar (AG) are the bowlers most likely to break partnerships and swing the match.All-Round Value:
Manpreet Sandhu (OT) and Saber Zakhil (AG) offer fantasy managers the best of both worlds, contributing in all departments.Fielding X-Factor:
Both teams have reliable fielders, with Zakhil (17 catches) and Rashid (8 catches) for AG, and Sandhu (6 catches) and Zulqarnain Tasawar (9 catches) for OT.
Conclusion
With both teams stacked with explosive batters, crafty bowlers, and dynamic all-rounders, Match 16 of ECS Belgium, 2025 is set to be a thrilling contest. The Antwerp Giants will look to maintain their perfect record, while the Ostend Tigers aim to disrupt the table-toppers with their own brand of aggressive cricket. Fantasy managers and fans alike should keep a close eye on the all-rounders and power hitters, as they are poised to be the difference-makers in this high-stakes T10 clash.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a memorable encounter at Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst!
- Manpreet Sandhu – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 80.0 – OST
- Abdul Muhammad – Batsman – Avg. Points: 72.0 – OST
- Faisal Khaliq – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 67.0 – OST
- Rafiullah Alokzai – Bowler – Avg. Points: 50.0 – OST
- Mashal Mazhar – Bowler – Avg. Points: 47.0 – AG
- Said Hakim – Batsman – Avg. Points: 39.0 – AG
- Sai Teepi – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 37.0 – OST
- Abdul Rashid – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 37.0 – AG
- Iftikhar Kankhel – Bowler – Avg. Points: 36.0 – AG
- Zulqarnain Tasawar – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 35.0 – OST
- Saber Zakhil – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 33.0 – AG
Number of players from each team:
- Ostend Tigers (OST): 6
- Antwerp Giants (AG): 5
Number of players from each skill type:
- All Rounder: 3
- Batsman: 2
- Bowler: 3
- Wicket Keeper: 3
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